What to get someone who is retiring

The following suggestions for retirement gifts may be well-suited for your former employee.

1. Cash

Cash is an inclusive option because it acknowledges that everyone’s retirement plans and desires are different. It helps avoids the risk of giving a gift that may not align with the retiree’s preferences, lifestyle or interests, ensuring they have the freedom to choose something that suits their needs.

2. Gift cards

With so many different gift cards for employees available, you can find something for everyone. If you know the retiree’s interests (or consult with someone who does), consider purchasing a gift card to their favorite store, restaurant or entertainment venue. If you don’t know a retiree’s likes and dislikes, opt for a gift card to a local spot or one that can be used almost anywhere.

3. Gifts of experience

Experience-related gifts involve activities rather than material items. Gifts of experience can be a great option because they offer flexibility and personalization, allowing the retiree to choose an activity that aligns with their interests. Although the possibilities can be tailored to each individual, ideas generally include:

• Concert tickets
• Sporting event tickets
• Theater tickets
• Museum memberships
• Cooking or art classes
• Annual passes for a local theme park

If you purchase tickets or memberships, consider including a guest.

4. Subscription boxes

Subscription boxes can accommodate different tastes and lifestyles and are available in a wide range of themes, making it easy to find something that resonates with the recipient’s preferences without making assumptions about their personal choices. If you’re not sure what to choose, here are a few ideas:

• Gourmet coffee or tea
• Succulents, air plants or floral bouquets
• Arts and crafts
• Books
• Self-care or mindfulness items

5. Food baskets

Traditional fruit baskets may be outdated, but unique foods can be a great gift choice. For example, you could choose items from popular local businesses, such as cinnamon rolls from a mom-and-pop bakery or honey from a local apiary. You can also include the retiree’s coworkers by having each choose a favorite item to add to the basket.

6. Hobby items

You could support a retiree’s favorite pastimes with a hobby-related retirement gift. For example, if you know your employee is an amateur photographer, consider a photography workshop or course, a photography magazine subscription or a high-quality photo book or album. If you don’t know what activities a worker enjoys, consider asking coworkers or family members for help.

7. Charitable donations

A donation to the retiree’s favorite charity in their honor can be a meaningful and thoughtful gift, especially for someone who values giving back to the community. Coworkers may also wish to contribute, creating an even more generous gift. If you don’t know what organizations are special to the retiree, consider their background and affiliations. For example, if your employee served in the military, consider supporting a veteran’s organization. If they have pets, a donation to an animal rescue charity may be ideal.

8. Plant a tree

Organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation let you plant a tree to celebrate a special occasion, such as a retirement. These trees help forests recover from natural disasters, such as wildfires and drought. Upon their retirement, you can present your employee with a printed certificate of the tree planted in their honor.

9. Slideshows

Show a retiree how much they mean to your organization by making a digital slideshow of photos and videos from their time with the company. To get the whole team involved, you might film coworkers or customers sharing memories and messages.

You could share the slideshow at the retirement party so everyone can enjoy it. Then, send a copy to the retiree. You can also post the video on your social media pages with the retiree’s permission.

10. Lasting workplace honor

Consider honoring the leaving employee with a workplace tribute. This can be as simple as placing a commemorative plaque on the wall or naming a conference room after them.If the retiree wore a uniform for work, you might frame it and hang it on the wall.

11. Engraved gifts

If you prefer giving traditional gifts, consider giving an engraved item. Engraved gifts can be a meaningful parting gift for a valued worker, and you can choose from plenty of options, including:

• Pens
• Vases
• Clocks
• Decanters and glassware
• Globes
• Picture frames
• Boxes
• Jewelry

If size permits, include a special message and the retiree’s dates of employment.

12. Thank you letters

Tell a retiree how much they mean to the company with a heartfelt thank you letter. Don’t just focus on the employee’s contributions to the company—make it personal by mentioning special memories.

For greater impact, have team members write letters or messages to the retiree. If you want a unique presentation, fold the messages and place them inside a personalized jar so the retiree can read a few at a time.

13. Party and presentation

The best gift may be hosting one last office celebration with your retiring employee. Invite the entire company or direct coworkers, depending on your budget and your company’s size.Inviting family members can also make the retirement party special.

At the celebration, say some kind words or share special memories. Be sure to invite the rest of the team to do so as well. This is also the perfect time to present additional gifts.

Tips for choosing gifts for retired employees

With so many possibilities, it can be difficult to choose a retirement gift. Here are some tips to make the decision easier:

• Consider their interests. Pick a unique retirement gift based on their interests or position.For example, you could choose a high-quality custom coffee table book centered on a subject they’re passionate about. You can also customize the retirement gift to the role. For example, if the retired person worked in urban planning or community development, a custom map art print highlighting the area or city they helped develop.
• Avoid clichés. Cliché gifts often rely on stereotypes and assumptions about what retirees want or need but may not reflect their individual interests or preferences. Choosing gifts that reflect the retiree’s individual interests and experiences fosters inclusivity and shows thoughtful consideration rather than relying on common stereotypes or assumptions.
• Set a budget. Creating a gift budget can help focus your search. Establish a standard retirement gift budget for consistency when people retire.
• Ask others for gift suggestions. If you don’t know the retiree personally, get ideas from people close to them, such as a work friend or family member.
• Consult with HR. These professionals can help you understand company policies that explain what gifts you can or can’t give employees.

Consider including the team when planning the retirement gift and celebration. It can be difficult for coworkers to say goodbye, especially if they’ve worked together for years. Helping with the celebration can make the transition meaningful for the remaining employees and can be a great team-building activity.

FAQs about retirement gift ideas

How much should you spend on a retirement gift?

When determining how much to spend on a retirement gift from the company, aim for an inclusive budget that reflects appreciation for all employees, regardless of their tenure. Focus on creating a budget that allows for thoughtful and meaningful gifts, ensuring that the amount reflects appreciation for the retiree’s contributions.

How can I ensure the retirement gift is appropriate for everyone?

Avoid assumptions about the retiree’s preferences and consider gifts that appeal to a broad audience, focusing on experiences or items that can be customized to the individual.

What if the retiree doesn’t have traditional retirement plans?

Respect that retirement looks different for everyone and choose versatile gifts, such as hobby-related items, experiences or subscriptions, that can fit various lifestyles and interests.